A one-day workshop which provides a great introduction to working with raffia. Raffia is a very flexible and forgiving material to create with, which makes it fabulous for creating a range of beautiful accessories for you or your home. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of where raffia comes from, how you can dye it using natural or commercial dyes (in the workshop everyone works with natural raffia) and how you can create beautiful items using basic skills.

There is no previous sewing or raffia craft knowledge required to join this workshop, and working with raffia means using basic plaiting and sewing skills and a mould to make your clutch bag.

As the skills used are basic and those used for many other raffia projects, you will see how these can be scaled.

Included

Raffia to make a small bag, and zips, accessories and lining material are included in the course.

The tutor will also bring some additional raffia for purchase from her at the end of the course if you wish to continue to make further items.

What students need to bring

• A pair of good scissors
• A thimble if you like to use one while sewing Optional:
• Any decorative embellishments you may wish to add to your completed bag – e.g. a favourite button, tassels, pompoms or bead – the tutor will also have some
• A favourite fabric for the lining, approximately A4 size – if you prefer to use your own lining, and a 25cm zip if you have a colour preference – the tutor will also supply these

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected]

This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations Please refer to our terms & conditions below

Disclaimer The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions